I support children through with play therapy and art therapy, with a focus on supporting children’s emotional development and regulation through the lens of child development, as a both an early childhood teacher, pediatric mental health therapist and BCBA and consultant for a number of years. I also do ABA and collaborative family training or parent training sessions.

Art therapy is a mental health approach that uses creative expression (drawing, painting, movement, sensory materials, storytelling, etc.) to help children process emotions, build coping skills, and strengthen self-esteem. Children don’t need to be “good at art” — the art is a tool for expression, not performance.

Play therapy is a form of child therapy where a trained therapist uses play (toys, games, art, stories, pretend play) to help children express feelings, process experiences, and learn coping skills—because play is a child’s natural way of communicating. In the therapy space we allow children to manipulate the toys in all sorts of ways and we accept the way they wish to communicate. I use a combination of child led and directive approaches, depending what is needed.

Yes. Parent coaching is a major part of progress. We work together on:

• behavior support strategies

• routines and transitions

• emotional regulation tools

• reducing power struggles

• improving communication and cooperation
  Parent support is often what creates the biggest change in daily life.

I completely understand. I started in the field when I was already a play therapist and special education teacher, and so that has always framed the way I see and work with children. My sessions are child-directed and parent supported. In my sessions, I sit on the floor with my clients, play games, and have fun with them! I want kids to feel safe, seen, and motivated, and above all, enjoy their learning. I use the practices I have learned in counseling: attunement, empathy, unconditional positive regard, and co-regulation to guide my sessions.

Feel free to call me to discuss what a session may look like. I aim to be as transparent as possible.

Common areas include:

• anxiety, fears, separation anxiety

• emotional dysregulation, meltdowns

• aggression, tantrums, elopement

• ADHD-style behaviors, impulse control

• autism support (social/play/communication skills)

• sensory processing challenges

• school-related struggles

• confidence, social skills, peer challenges

• transitions, grief, family stress

Working with women and teens to support body dysmorphia and eating concerns (particularly binge eating/overeating) is a passion of mine as it is a highly complex, misunderstood disorder that can also feel shameful and embarassing to the suffererer. I aim to hold space, compassion and kindness to these parts of us and bring awareness, empathy, and help slow the system down so we can target this part of self in a loving and self respecting way.

Professionally, I have over 15 years working in the field with parents, teens and young women. I was a moderator for NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) for many years, and I consulted at BEDA (Binge eating Disorder Association) when it was in existence. I am trained in trauma support in Art therapy, and am in Advanced Somatic Experiencing training.

IYou’ll start seeing change through:

• fewer intense meltdowns / quicker recovery

• improved flexibility

• stronger coping skills

• better communication of needs

• improved participation in routines

• increased confidence and social engagement
  If ABA/structured services are included, we also track measurable progress using data and goal mastery

At this time, art therapy and mental health services are offered on a private-pay basis only.

For ABA services, I may be able to provide an out-of-network (OON) superbill, depending on the agreed-upon rate.